While players and fans alike are lamenting a late start to next season’s Hyundai A-League, Phoenix striker Chris Greenacre is delighted.
While players and fans alike are lamenting a late start to next season-s Hyundai A-League, Phoenix striker Chris Greenacre is delighted.
Greenacre underwent a shoulder operation three weeks ago and the likelihood of the competition beginning on October 7 means he will probably be fit and raring to go when the season kicks off.
“It was disappointing hearing we would have a longer than usual off season, but a late start now suits me down to the ground,” Greenacre said.
“Even with that I wouldn-t have been able to think about making the start of the season had our physio Adam Crump and the surgeon, Robert Rowan, not
been able to get me in for the operation as soon as last season ended.
“Unfortunately when they opened it up the injury was more serious than they thought and the last few weeks have been very painful.
“Straight after the operation I was on medication I could induce myself and it was pretty strong stuff. I was in a happy place most of the time, though [wife] Lynsey was probably getting fed up with having to do everything for me!
“At least with it being the left shoulder I could wash myself.
“It is getting better day by day and I can now take the sling off when I am sitting down, and the specialist is pleased with the way it is progressing.
“This is the first major operation I-ve undergone and it is hard not being able to do simple things like running, something I-ve always taken for granted.
“During the season I would be in the gym lifting weights and looking forward to a break from it. Now I would love to be able to do it.
“I was really looking forward to playing plenty of golf during the break but that too has obviously gone out the window.”
The worst moment for Greenacre came when he went along to support his team-mates at the Hoops for Christchurch charity basketball game in Porirua soon after the operation.
“At the end of the game I was standing on the court talking to a couple of the lads when a basketball came out of the blue and whacked me on my left arm.
“I thought I was going to throw up on the court.”
